Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN) – Bangladesh government revoked the red passports of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and all members of the now-defunct 12th Parliament.
The stance to cancel the diplomatic passports popularly known as red passports was taken in a decisive move amidst the ongoing political shift in Bangladesh.
Hasina’s ministers, members of parliament (MPs), advisers and other officials who held such passports are also come under the measure.
This measure, which also applies to their spouses, marks a significant step in the transition to the newly established interim government.
The Security Service Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a circular today, directing the Department of Immigration and Passports (DIP) to immediately revoke these diplomatic passports.
The circular, signed by Deputy Secretary Md Kamruzzaman, specified that the revocation also extends to officials who obtained diplomatic passports due to their posts or positions, with their red passports being annulled at the end of their service period.
The circular outlines that the diplomatic passports, which are typically issued to top-ranking government officials, diplomats, and couriers, will no longer be valid for those whose official tenures have ended.
Furthermore, the DIP has been instructed to revoke the diplomatic passports of the spouses of these individuals, aligning with the broader objective of ensuring that diplomatic privileges are reserved exclusively for current officials.
According to DIP officials, the individuals affected by this revocation will need to surrender their diplomatic passports to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
To obtain an ordinary passport, they must apply through the Ministry, and the Security Service Division, along with the DIP, will undertake necessary steps based on the application.
The issuance of ordinary passports will only proceed after receiving favorable reports from at least two investigative agencies, as stipulated in the new guidelines.
The revocation of diplomatic passports is particularly significant for former ministers, MPs, and other officials who are either facing criminal charges or have been arrested.
These individuals may need to navigate a legal process to obtain ordinary passports. If a court order is required, only then can they apply for a general passport, as clarified by sources within the ministry.
An official from the DIP, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that an order has already been issued to all DIP offices, emphasizing that no red passport applications should be forwarded without proper verification.
This step underscores the government's commitment to maintaining rigorous control over the issuance of diplomatic passports, particularly in light of the recent political upheaval.
The decision to revoke these diplomatic passports follows the recent mass uprising against Sheikh Hasina's government, which culminated in her seeking refuge in India on August 5.
The following day, President Mohammed Shahabuddin dissolved the 12th Parliament, paving the way for an interim government led by Nobel laureate Professor Mohammad Yunus on August 8.
The fall of Sheikh Hasina's government and the subsequent revocation of diplomatic passports also raise questions about the status of those former MPs and ministers currently residing abroad.
According to a DIP official, individuals who are out of the country with revoked diplomatic passports can either communicate with the Bangladeshi mission in their current country of residence or return to Bangladesh to complete the necessary procedures.
This may involve sending a letter to Bangladesh through the foreign ministry to facilitate the process.
Despite the sweeping changes, there have been no reports of any officials fleeing abroad after the fall of the government.
However, the revocation of red passports for those already abroad could complicate their legal and diplomatic standing, particularly if they are required to return to Bangladesh to resolve their passport status.
The red passport, issued to Bangladeshi diplomats and top-ranking government officials, grants visa-free entry to numerous countries, making it a valuable asset for those holding it.
However, with the new interim government's measures, former officials, including Sheikh Hasina and her colleagues, will no longer have access to these privileges.
As the country continues to navigate this period of political transition, the government's revocation of diplomatic passports serves as a clear message that the privileges associated with official positions will not extend beyond their tenure.
This move also aligns with the broader efforts to stabilize the political landscape and ensure accountability among former officials as Bangladesh moves forward under the interim government's leadership.
BBN/AN/AD